By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule
It takes a lot of guts, courage, and hard work
to attain such discipline in the world of sports like swimming. But this lad
has a lot more to offer in University of the Philippines Diliman Varsity
swimming team. Let us take a peek at his
achievement and more about his swimming career.
Born Rafael Reyes Sta.
Maria on February 17, 1997 in Quezon City, the 5-foot-7 tanker from University
of the Philippines recently won in the UAAP season LXXIX swimming competition.
Rafael is currently taking up BS Architecture in UP Diliman.
UP team composed of
Rafael Sta. Maria, Alfred Rojo, Lans Donato and John Carlo Doragos placed
second in the Men’s 400M Freestyle Relay clocking 3:40.01. Rafael also placed 6th
in the Men’s 200M Freestyle clocking 2:01.86. He also placed 4th in
the 50M Men’s Butterfly ticking in 26.75 in the preliminaries.
“I balance my studies
and my athlete life through proper time management. Since I’ve been swimming
since kinder, I got used to training after school hours. Once I arrive home, I
give ample time to do my home works. I dedicate my weekends for my family and
friends, especially my Mom. During Sunday afternoons, I start again with my
school works if ever I do have. But if I don’t, I give myself time to sleep
since I’m an athlete, I have to get enough rest to start another week”, quipped
Rafael.
The Maroon tanker had
already been a part of the RP Youth team. “We may not always win but we do give
our opponents a good competition. We are not really lagging behind other
countries but we’re actually a good competition to others”, said Rafael. He also
believes that our athletes can improve locally without training overseas. “I
think we should improve our sports programs and sports facilities”, added
Rafael.
With determination, perseverance
and faith in God, this young athlete can achieve greater heights and carve a
niche in the world of swimming in the very near future.
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